combo size comparisons....

[DankStar]

OK, I know this is a common issue, but help me to clarify. I'm considering going only combo, no head/cab. I'm thinking (feel free to correct me here):

1. A 1-10" and even 2-10" would be pointless (not enough punch from the smaller speaker even around the house, and definitely couldn't hang with a drummer). A 4-10" cab might, but then I'm back at a huge amp.

2. A 1-12" would be ideal at the house, but probably can't hang with a drummer (or could it??); I guess I could get/make a 1-12" extension cab to have a 2-12" set-up. I wonder if anyone uses 4 1-12" cabs (one 1-12" combo and 3 1-12" cabs??)

3. A 2-12"....hmmmm. That's where I'm having a problem. I recall my past 2-12 combos couldn't hang in a drummer situation, yet they get so loud at home that there's almost too much headroom for that purpose. Plus some are very heavy/bulky.

DIssscuuusssssssssssss.

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: combo size comparisons....

Man, you guys must play with super drummers. Or are they miked and running through a 2000 Watt PA system ?
I dont see how a decent 2x12 combo couldnt hang with a drummer. In fact I dont see how a good 1x12 combo couldnt. I can run a 1x10 combo and be fine with my drummer.
Unless you are playing no mid metal. Then you are screwed.
I like the idea of the 1x12 combo with a 1x12 extension cab. run it as a 2x12, and you can have different speakers and different enclosures (1 open, 1 closed back)
Am I crazy or shouldnt a good 50w 2x12 be plenty of power ?

 

[DankStar]

Re: combo size comparisons....

I think maybe my last band put some fear into me as far as what will work for amp power. It stemmed from the bassist being practically deaf and a drummer that did pound everything pretty hard. Plus the practice room blew.

I'm trying to get back to reality (that is not over-sizing my rig just for looks) but at the same time I'd like to start jamming with drummers again. It's good to know the smaller stuff works for you. I definitely want to go with the smallest/most portable thing and something I can stuff in a closet if I don't want to look at it.

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: combo size comparisons....

Its not just you. Seems that lots of people around here "need" a half stack to keep up with their drummers.
If you went 1x12, you can always add the extension cab later. If you need a little more go with another 1x12, or go 2x12 or go 4x12 if you have to.

 

[jeremy]

Re: combo size comparisons....

2x10" pushes more air than a 1x12"

if you are playing metal you might not like the tone of the 10's but a good 10" can be louder and thicker than some 12"

id say go for a good 1x12 with or with out the extention cab

 

[Jeffrec]

Re: combo size comparisons....

I've used 2X12's for the most part, but you can do fine with 1X12. Roy Buchannan used to use a Vibrolux and miked it through the PA if he needed more volume.

 

[DankStar]

Re: combo size comparisons....

2x10" pushes more air than a 1x12"

if you are playing metal you might not like the tone of the 10's but a good 10" can be louder and thicker than some 12"

I didn't know that (pushing more air with 2-10s vs 1-12)! Yeah, I tend to play metal, but I've come into my own sort of bluesy overdrive sound (like Annihilator meets Humble Pie) that's somewhat lighter on the distortion end than current trends with a fairly flat EQ setting. I'm not scared of mids either :27:

I've used 2X12's for the most part, but you can do fine with 1X12. Roy Buchsnnsn used to use a Vibrolux and miked it through the PA if he needed more volume.

cool insight...thank you.

 

[B Bent]

Re: combo size comparisons....

2x10's.....not enough punch???? I take it you have never played a good Vibrolux Reverb?

 

[WhoFan]

Re: combo size comparisons....

i've played with some seriously loud drummers.... insanely loud.... breaking sticks, cymbals and skins, and 50 watt heads into a Marshall 1x12 ext cab worked for me....

these days i pretty much use a Classic 30 1x12 combo with a 1x12 extent cab for pretty much everything...

I use Geneses Amp Stands that angle my 1x12's like a monitor.... they have a built in mic holder... with the cab angled back i'm less likely to turn my amp up too loud

 

[ErikH]

Re: combo size comparisons....

I'm using a 50 Watt 1x12 combo and it is plenty loud to keep up with a drummer. In fact, with the wattage selector up to the full 50 Watts, I can't put the master volume past 9 o'clock without drowning everybody else out.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: combo size comparisons....

I'm using a 50 Watt 1x12 combo and it is plenty loud to keep up with a drummer. In fact, with the wattage selector up to the full 50 Watts, I can't put the master volume past 9 o'clock without drowning everybody else out.

ya know i woould of never in a million years thought i'd ever need a 5150 half stack cranked..... this drummer i know owned a studio in Toronto and ihe plays in a Who Tribute act.... He hits hard!!!!! anyways a bunch of us Who Fans that played guitars, bass and were willing to sing... played a few afternoon jams at his studio.... By the time you had him hitting the buckets as hard as he could, a hiwatt Stack, an Ampeg bass Amp, a 5150, a Vibro King, and a Classic 50 playing together..... we could not hear the PA vocals any more!!!!

Fun times... but i'm deaf

 

[DankStar]

Re: combo size comparisons....

2x10's.....not enough punch???? I take it you have never played a good Vibrolux Reverb?

no, but it looks like I better get on it!

 

[Loserchief]

Re: combo size comparisons....

i use my Engl Sovereign 1x12 combo in my current band, where i have to keep up with a bassist with a 4x10, another guitarist with a 4x12, a quite loud drummer and keaboards and a transverse flute coming through the PA and i still have not the slightest problem to be heard.
Just get the combo off the ground(i put it on the upper part of my roadcase) and don't forget the mids. Okay the sovereign is probably the loudest bastatrd of a combo i've ever heard, but with some nive wattage and a good speaker you should not have problems.

 

[DankStar]

Re: combo size comparisons....

i use my Engl Sovereign 1x12 combo in my current band, where i have to keep up with a bassist with a 4x10, another guitarist with a 4x12, a quite loud drummer and keaboards and a transverse flute coming through the PA and i still have not the slightest problem to be heard.
Just get the combo off the ground(i put it on the upper part of my roadcase) and don't forget the mids. Okay the sovereign is probably the loudest bastatrd of a combo i've ever heard, but with some nive wattage and a good speaker you should not have problems.

cool! thanks for sharing :banana:

 

[ksmith63]

Re: combo size comparisons....

go for a 1x12 with an electro-voice EVM-12L speaker. this thing is a beast and should be able to move as much as your 4x12 now.

 

[Aceman]

Re: combo size comparisons....

Hey - I LOVE two-10's. I prefer 10's to 12's. That boomy bottom sound is what the bass is for!

And I have no tolerance for playing with animal from the muppets. If you can't play as loud as appropriate for the situation, let me know and I won't bother to show up. Drummers, while not exactly human, don't need to be barbarians.

10's have more punch, but less booty in my opinion.

 

[Gr8Scott]

Re: combo size comparisons....

Aceman - My little brother is a drummer and God love him he plays like Animal from the muppets, but without the timing. He trips up and comes in late or early quite often.